The Bronx holds a unique spot in cocktail history, standing alongside renowned classics like the dry Manhattan and Martini for its intriguing blend of sweet, tart, botanical, and boozy flavors.
Its origins, like many pre-Prohibition cocktails, are subject to debate. However, the prevailing tale credits its creation to Johnny Solon, a bartender at New York’s famed Astoria-Waldorf Hotel in the early 1900s.
Legend has it that Solon named it after a visit to the newly opened Bronx Zoo in 1899. Despite some conflicting stories attributing its invention to bartenders within the Bronx itself, Solon’s claim remains widely accepted.
Bronx Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin (60ml): Choose a quality gin with a balanced botanical profile to serve as the foundation of your cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth (15ml): Provide depth and sweetness to the Bronx Cocktail with the addition of sweet vermouth.
- Dry Vermouth (15ml): Counterbalance the sweetness with the herbal and slightly bitter notes of dry vermouth.
- Orange Juice (30ml): Infuse the cocktail with a burst of citrusy brightness using freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Orange Twist (for garnish): Elevate the visual appeal of your Bronx Cocktail with a twist of orange peel.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Bronx Cocktail Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Ensure all your ingredients are ready and within reach. This includes the gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, freshly squeezed orange juice, an orange twist for garnish, and ice cubes.
Step 2: Measure and Pour the Gin
In a mixing glass, measure out 60ml of your chosen gin. Pour it into the mixing glass, setting the stage for the botanical notes that will define your Bronx Cocktail.
Step 3: Add Sweet Vermouth and Dry Vermouth
Measure and add 15ml each of sweet vermouth and dry vermouth to the gin in the mixing glass. The combination of these two vermouths creates a balanced and nuanced foundation for the cocktail.
Step 4: Add Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Add 30ml of freshly squeezed orange juice to the mix. The orange juice brings a vibrant and citrusy element, contributing to the Bronx Cocktail’s refreshing character.
Step 5: Shake Well with Ice
Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes, ensuring it’s about three-quarters full. Secure the lid tightly and shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly chill the ingredients and allow them to meld into a harmonious blend.
Step 6: Strain Into Glass
Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the shaken mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Straining ensures a smooth cocktail, free from ice shards or pulp.
Step 7: Garnish with Orange Twist
Express the oils from an orange twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist. Drop the twist into the glass or place it on the rim. This garnish not only adds a visual touch but also imparts a hint of citrus aroma to each sip.
The Boronx Cocktail – A Taste Of Classic New York
The Bronx essentially mimics a Martini, featuring equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, along with orange juice and orange bitters. This unique recipe, however, may explain why it hasn’t achieved the same enduring popularity as its whiskey-based counterpart. While orange juice adds a refreshing twist, its subtlety compared to other citrus juices sometimes renders the Bronx less impactful, earning it criticism in the past for being too mild.
Nevertheless, the Bronx has its enthusiasts. Its inclusion of orange juice imparts a summertime freshness, making it a suitable option for brunch tables and a potential alternative to the Mimosa. The quality of ingredients is crucial in crafting a stellar Bronx cocktail, with freshly squeezed orange juice and premium gin like Tanqueray No. 10 or Hendrick’s enhancing its profile.
